Parenting styles are SO different

Jan 101 min read

My ex lets our kids (7, 9, 12) stay up until like 10pm on her weeks and eat basically whatever. When they come to me on Friday, they're absolute nightmares for the first 24-48 hours - cranky, won't listen, act out. Once I get them back on a normal sleep schedule and routine, they're totally fine again. But then she gets mad when I "parent differently" and says I'm making them uncomfortable. I'm not trying to be a dictator, but they literally need sleep and vegetables. How do you not let this drive you insane?

5 comments286 views

Comments(5)

RRay C.RegularJan 12

Document everything if you think this is affecting their health or schoolwork. If their grades are slipping or behavior is getting worse, that's something you might need to address in a custody agreement.

FFred V.RegularJan 12

This is the toughest part of co-parenting honestly. 10pm bedtime on school nights is way too late for a 7yo. That's going to hit you on Monday morning when they're a nightmare to wake up.

TTom P.RegularJan 12

The junk food thing would drive me nuts but at least you're sending them back to a healthy home. One week of whatever won't kill them even if it feels bad.

IIsaiah T.New DadJan 13

I get that different households have different rules but bedtime and nutrition are health issues, not just parenting preference. Have you tried sitting down and actually talking about what the kids need sleep-wise?

PPhil M.RegularJan 13

My ex does the same thing. I just accept that her house is 'fun house' where the rules are different. Can't control what happens over there, just focus on your own place being consistent.